IF Perikatan Nasional (PN) decides to let Gerakan to contest in the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election, it would want the party to field a Malay candidate, said PN election director Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Speaking to reporters in Alor Setar today, the Kedah menteri besar said PN received feedback that it stood a better chance to win with a Malay candidate.

“Yes the previous candidate was from Gerakan but there are wishes that if we (PN) were to retain Gerakan (to contest), we should field a Malay candidate.

“Then, we will stand a better chance of winning (the by-election),” he said.

He was also optimistic of winning the seat from Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“We will have to enter the battle first, then only we will know (the outcome).

“The voting pattern has changed significantly in recent times and I hope the PN will win it.

“The people are protesting the rising cost of goods, ringgit depreciation and so on.

“I hope the voters will use the by-election to send a message to the government,” he said.

The KKB state seat by-election is being held following the death of its three-term assemblywoman Lee Kee Hiong from the DAP. Lee died on March 21 after a battle with cancer.

Polling day is on May 11. Nomination is on April 27 and early voting, May 7.

For PH, DAP has not decided on its candidate for the by-election, party secretary-general Anthony Loke said.

He said “anyone will be considered” in response to reports that the party was looking at fielding a Malay candidate.

On Wednesday, it was reported that DAP would likely name Hulu Selangor Municipal Councillor Saripah Bakar as the KKB candidate.

“The party is expected to field a Malay candidate as of now due to the high percentage of Malay voters,” a source told FreeMalaysiaToday.

Saripah has asked the media to wait for an official announcement.

The KKB constituency has a mixed electorate of 50% Malays, 30% Chinese and 18% Indians. 

According to the electoral roll, there are more than 40,000 registered voters in KKB.

Barisan Nasional, a regular contender for the seat, will sit out the by-election to make way for DAP in PH.

Gerakan has indicated an interest in the seat.

In the state elections last year, Gerakan ran for the seat for PN. – April 18, 2024.